Sven "X-et" Leonard Erixson (23 November 1899 – 17 May 1970) stands out as a seminal figure in Swedish art, celebrated for his multifaceted contributions as a painter and sculptor. Born to Alfred and Mathilda Eriksson, he was woven into a family that would see the arts flourish across generations, with his marriage to Ingeborg Erixson producing two children who followed in their father's creative footsteps: Sverre Erixson, an artist born in 1932, and Irma Erixson, an actor born in 1937.

Erixson's path to artistic recognition was marked by dedication and a rigorous pursuit of knowledge. Beginning his formal training at the tender age of 14 under a master painter, he expanded his skills into decorative painting and embraced a role as a drawing instructor at Konstfack, Sweden's largest university for arts, crafts, and design. His educational journey further led him to the prestigious Royal Swedish Academy of Arts, where he not only studied but later imparted his wisdom as a Professor of painting from 1943 to 1953.

His artistic oeuvre is both broad and deep, capturing landscapes populated with figures, vibrant city and port scenes, intimate interiors, and delicate floral arrangements. Erixson's palette drew from a rich tapestry of influences, from the rustic charm of Medieval Folk art to the bold strokes of German Expressionism. A voracious traveler, he found endless inspiration in the landscapes and artistic heritage of Spain and the south of France, diligently studying the works of luminaries such as Goya, Velazquez, El Greco, Paul Klee, Lovis Corinth, Gustav Klimt, and Egon Schiele in their native settings.

Erixson's legacy as one of Sweden's paramount modern painters is undisputed, with his works gracing the collections of major Swedish art museums. He was instrumental in founding the artist-led gallery 'Color and Shape' (Färg och Form) in 1932, marking a pivotal moment in Sweden's modern art movement. His commissions are numerous and varied, including the evocative frescoes of the Holy Cross Chapel at Woodland Cemetery in Stockholm (1938-1940) and the captivating fresco in the Huddinge town hall (1948-1949), which intricately blends his childhood memories with the town's railway heritage. Beyond the canvas, Erixson's creative spirit found expression in theatrical decor, notably for Garcia Lorca's "Blood Wedding" in 1944, and in his designs for decor and costumes for "Aniara" in 1959, showcasing his versatile and imaginative approach to art.